The Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies stands in solidarity with Asian American and Pacific Islander women and their communities against hate and violence and expresses deep sorrow for the lives that were senselessly taken in Tuesday’s shootings in the Atlanta area. We are horrified by this violent and senseless tragedy and our thoughts are with the families of the victims.

Regardless of the motive, it is clear that the rise in extremist rhetoric and hate speech has created an unsafe environment for people of Asian descent and other marginalized communities, including women. Crimes against Asian Americans have escalated over the past year and we must stand together to fight this dangerous hatred. Between March 2020 and February 2021, the Stop AAPI Hate National Project received 3,695 reports of anti-Asian hate incidents.

As a network of agencies providing a range of services, including to those who have experienced trauma, we are proud to support those in need regardless of faith or ethnicity and welcome those in the AAPI community who seek assistance. As Jewish tradition cites, may the memories of the victims be a blessing, and may their memory remind us all to redouble our efforts to support victims of hatred, discrimination, and gender-based violence.

Judy Halper, Board Chair

Reuben D. Rotman, President & CEO

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Alexander Jewish Family Service is a proud member of the Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies.